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[Edorion]

I hope this isn't a completely foolish question. When making a tool, a wand for example, would putting a drop of your own blood on the wood create a stronger bond between you and the wand? Just a pin prick on a fingertip, not gross mutilation. Or is this something that shouldn't be done?

[alyceavary]

I'm not an expert on the subject, and I've only seen blood magic once, but I would suggest not dabbling with it unless you know EXACTLY what you're doing.

[C_A]

There's a bit of a difference between a pin prick of your own blood on a tool and blood magic.

As well, I don't know why, (other than an admixture of real and fantasy blood magic), people would be so concerned.  YES it IS intense...but otherwise no different from any other spell you'd consider using hair, fingernail or even urine to seal.

It's not a bad question...the short answer is that it would be okay IF done in a circle whilst charging the tool.

[Edorion]

Thanks for the input. I don't think I'll be making a wand soon. I want to do more research first. I want to make it as personal as possible. Trying to decide on the type of wood, what organic dyes and colors, what stones, metals, carvings, general shape and size, etc.... Any opinion on what wood would be best associated with Aries? Has anyone combined two or more woods in one wand? I thought about combining oak and cedar by starting  with two pieces of similar dimensions and splitting them lengthwise, and then binding half of each together somehow. And had considered a drop of blood between the two halves before putting them together. Just an idea.

[oldghost]

Edorion first on your combining the two different types of wood , the shrink at different rates and the grains are different , that could make your wand come apart . Different types of woods for Aries should be Cherry and Hawthorn, zodiac Aries would include Holly and Chestnut. If you do use blood in  making your own tools I would suggest you use a sterile gauze to transfer the blood to the tool.
 
All things will depend on your skill level and the tools you have , one thing that would look nice on a wand is to put a spiral from on end to the other and inset a silver or gold chain in the spiral .

[marisol]

Edorian that is a question I've not come across before. I would take C_A and ogs knowledge it
that type of magic before anyone elses. It is an interesting question.

[Draconis Rex]

One way of combining different woods would be to laminate them like a laminate longbow or flatbow. I would suggest two strips of your harder wood sandwiching the softer wood. Do this before shaping and it should turn out with a really nice finish. Do this with any number of different woods but make them symetrical working from your core piece, working outward. grade your woods outward according to shrink and flex rate of the woods. When making a bow, the laminates are not made symetrical and this is what gives the bend and reflex needed for a working bow. The symetry of your wand should help to stabilise it.

[Edorion]

Thanks so much for all the very useful info. Though I'm sure it's probably not necessary, when I start making my tools, I want to go all out. I'm pretty good with my hands and fairly artistic, with more than a small dose of OCD. Lol. I'm loving the idea of a spiral wand inlaid with silver chain. So I'm thinking half holly, half chestnut, one wood stained with beet juice, the other  stained with blackberry, half the length of the wand spiraled and inlaid with silver chain. It's going to take a while, but when I finish it I'll post a picture.

[Draconis Rex]

Thanks so much for all the very useful info. Though I'm sure it's probably not necessary, when I start making my tools, I want to go all out. I'm pretty good with my hands and fairly artistic, with more than a small dose of OCD. Lol. I'm loving the idea of a spiral wand inlaid with silver chain. So I'm thinking half holly, half chestnut, one wood stained with beet juice, the other  stained with blackberry, half the length of the wand spiraled and inlaid with silver chain. It's going to take a while, but when I finish it I'll post a picture.

Making your own tools is cool Ed, I'm in that process myself. It does take time and patience so, just use what is available to you in the meantime and replace as you go along. Thats how I'm doing it. I certainly wish you well with that project. Let us know how you get on with it.

[marisol]

When I first started studying a friend of mine who works with metals made me a pewter wand
with my hair in it. She did a wonderful job it's truly gorgeous.

My son gave me a staff made of birdseye maple, I've always wanted to put some carvings on it, but it's so lovely I can't bring myself to do it.

I have a nice piece of walnut to make a wand out of, one day I hope to get to it.

[oldghost]

One thing Eborion , if you can find down branches from the trees you want to use , that is fine but thank to tree for them. If you must cut them ask the tree first and if it does not feel right then don't do it. A natural shape to what you well be making is away better then just being round .
 
What Drac said about laminating is good and if you go that way give the shape a little contour to it . Always wear a mask when working with adhesives and goggles .
 
Stay far away from Blood Magic , in will damage your soul, mind and body beyond repair . Very Bad Shit

[Draconis Rex]

Personally I feel that simply working with the materials myself is putting my own self and energy in to my project. I won't use machine tools for projects such as these because I feel it would detract from the end result. Having said that, what Marisol said about adding some of her hair is a very nice touch to her wand, I like that idea.

[lucifer]

Stay far away from Blood Magic , in will damage your soul, mind and body beyond repair . Very Bad Shit

I agree and disagree...

I personally think that blood magic should be left alone, but if another chooses to walk that path it's their mistake to make...

[oldghost]

Only problem I can see with what blood and hair is that if someone gets hold of it they could harm you with it.

[Draconis Rex]

Only problem I can see with what blood and hair is that if someone gets hold of it they could harm you with it.

Thats a valid point of course, worth keeping in mind.